David Lighty hones his craft during pro title campaign in France

Even though he didn't get selected in the 2011 NBA draft, the former Ohio State standout has fashioned a very successful career overseas. He played in France this year for JSF Nanterre, which went on to win the French Pro A LNB championship.

"I got to live in Paris," Lighty said. "I could see the Eiffel Tower from my apartment. I definitely enjoyed it."

What a tough life.

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The former Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School star earned Most Valuable Player honors in the finals, as Nanterre defeated Strasbourg, 3-1.

Nanterre barely qualified for the playoffs with a 15-15 record and finished eighth in the regular-season standings. They won a tiebreaker just to get into the field.

Once Nanterre got in the postseason, though, it caught fire. Nanterre knocked off top seed Gravelines Dunkerque, defending champion Elan Chalon and then eventually Strasbourg in the playoffs en route to its first Pro A league title.

Lighty, 25, was outstanding in the final game with 21 points, three rebounds and two assists. He converted 7 of 13 shots from the field. It was one of three 20-point efforts in the postseason.

"It was crazy," he said. "It was definitely exciting. We made it into the playoffs with the eighth seed. We got hot at the right time. For us to win it, it was like a Cinderella finish."

He said there was a huge media following in Paris for the playoffs.

"It was a major thing over there," he said. "Through the year, we were good. We knew we could win."

The 6-foot-5, 215-pounder played on a one-year contract with Nanterre. He's now entering free agency.

He's participating in a three-day workout in Milwaukee, which started Tuesday, for players not eligible for the 2013 NBA draft.

"I'm going to play in the (Las Vegas) summer league," Lighty said. "I just don't know for what team yet."

Lighty was Nanterre's second-leading scorer at 12.5 points and 2.7 assists in 35 games this season.

He is trying to find a home in the NBA this season.

"It's definitely realistic, especially after this year," Lighty said. "Teams had me on their radar. It's always a possibility. It's about finding the right fit."

Lighty, a former News-Herald Player of the Year, said he's improved as a player from where he was in 2011.

"I'm learning the game," he said. "Playing overseas, you learn a little more on how the game is played, the mindset. I've improved my shooting."

As the second round of the 2011 draft unfolded, he was almost glad he wasn't selected. He didn't want a team to secure his rights, like former Ohio State teammate Jon Diebler. He was drafted by Portland, which traded his rights to Houston last summer. He's had a successful career in Greece and Turkey.

Lighty said he wouldn't hesitate to return to Europe. However, the goal is to play in the NBA.

"He has a lot of options," agent Joel Bell said. "We still have to sort out some things.

"I'm very confident he'll play over here this year. He's focused and has improved every aspect of his game."

Lighty definitely enjoyed his lone season in France.

"It's a little different lifestyle," he said. "Everyone has their niche. It's Americanized. I had no trouble fitting in. People speak English. London is only a one-hour train ride away.

"It was like one big family, pretty much."

He was able to keep in touch with his family in Cleveland via social media.

"I Skyped with them almost every day," he said.

Lighty was also excited about VASJ's ride to the Division IV state championship.

"They got it done," he said. "I spoke to them a lot during the season. I think they'll get one more (title), at least."